Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of radiologic physics and is the second in a series of three courses on this subject. Each course builds upon information from the previous courses in the series. The student will receive instruction on radiographic equipment.
This course is required as part of the Radiologic Technology degree program. Prior to enrolling in this course the student must be accepted in the Radiologic Technology Program, and have competed Radiation Physics I. This course is also a prerequisite for taking the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for certification in Radiography. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student wishes to transfer.
 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Safely operate medical radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment.

• Describe all parameter selection options on x-ray control panel and explain how each is applied during imaging procedures.

• Effectively troubleshoot malfunctioning radiographic equipment.

1. Develop paper or project concerning some aspect of radiographic equipment.
2. Problem solve radiographic equipment problems when given a scenario, including corrective action and/or preventative measures.

Themes Issues and concepts:
Generators

X-ray tubes

X-ray production

X-ray equipment
     
Image Intensification
     
Television Camera/Monitor
   
Specialized Equipment
     
Digital Radiography
     
Skills

1. Describe single phase, three phase, high frequency and falling load generators.
2. Become familiar with x-ray tube construction and safe operation of the tube.
3. Understand x-ray production and emission spectrum.
4. Describe components of the radiographic unit not yet covered including timers, tables, tube stands and automatic exposure devices.
5. Explain the function of an image intensifier, television cameras, monitors and fluoroscopic recording devices.
6. Discuss equipment used for mammography, tomography and mobile radiography.
7. Understand the use of computers in radiography and how direct digital systems function.